When the accomodation is the experience - discover the top 10 Airbnb’s to recharge in regional Victoria.

By Lyndsay Scott

I don’t know about you, but with the state of the world at the moment - I’m fatigued. It feels relentless, like we just can’t seem to catch a break - on the nightly news bulletin, scrolling social media, during conversations with friends... though we may not personally be on the front line, it’s human nature to feel some of the weight. A weekend with your phone in flight mode and a no news policy in a new space might just be what the doctor ordered.

In no particular order, we have rounded up the top 10 Airbnbs in regional Victoria where the accomodation is the experience. Slow down, discover new surroundings and recharge your batteries. From an anglers cottage, to a thoughtfully renovated dairy farm - read a book from cover to cover, enjoy a bottle of red have a break from the news cycle. You won’t regret it!

Cortes Kiln, Gapstead (Daung Warrung)

30 minutes from Bright sits this renovated kiln house. Watch cows through the kitchen window while cooking - the open fire roaring in the background. Soak in the stone bath or sit outside and breathe in that alpine air. Listen to natures soundtrack and stroll out to the chook pen each morning to collect freshly laid eggs. From the soft linen bed sheets to the small odes to its former life - you’ll love your time here. Sleeps 2, $296 p/n.

The Wensley, Wensleydale (Wadawarrung)

Standing proudly over 80 hectares of rolling hills, the sprawling deck invites summer nights outside, the cosy lounge inside cementing this home as an all year rounder. The use of concrete, tan leather and wood with effortless styling adds a homely, calming feel. Drink your morning coffee watching fog lifting over the valley, you won’t hear anything else except your company and the odd moo fromneighbouring cattle - precisely the reason why it made this list. Sleeping 10, $1061 p/n.

Ross Farm, Meeniyan (Gunaikirnai)

From an intimate cabin stay to an old dairy turned luxury accomodation sleeping 12, these buildings have thrived since their glow up in 2019. If you appreciate architecture and design, this stay is foryou. Rusty metal and understated neutral finishes promote calm while Australian designers are highlighted through furniture and lighting choices - it’s hard not to surrender and relax here. Each stay also has its own driveway entry for privacy. Prices range from $290 to $1300 p/n.

The Hideout, Daylesford (Dja Dja Warrung)

If you want to hit the off switch for the weekend - book The Hideout. Positioned at the back of an unexpected tropical oasis - you can bask in the afternoon sun in the hanging egg chairs, relax with tree top views from the bathtub or enjoy an evening tipple and boardgames on that inviting marshmallow couch. Light the outdoor fire while storytelling and star gazing and the news cycle will be a distant memory. Sleeps 2, $384 p/n.

Sky Pods, Cape Otway (Gadubanud)

Serenity overload - this off-grid glass box is one of 4 considerately built pods in the Otways Ranges. Perfect if you have a project to finish or a book to write - à la Colin Firth in Love Actually. You will feel energised with a clear mind thanks to the tranquil 360° views around you. Wake up to a Kangaroo peeking in, cook using local produce collected on the drive and recharge watchinggolden hour over the ocean. Sleeps 2, $395 p/n.

Anglers Cabin, Barwon Heads (Wadawarrung)

The anglers cabin is the newest accomodation to pop up on the Bellarine. Owner and incredidble local florist, Alice’s simple and unsophisticated style translates into the renovation of this roomy space. Muted hues, plaid cushions and fresh flowers with an Australian native garden and outdoor bath make the stay a real experience. Walk to the main street to restock supplies or the river for a dip in the summer. Rinse off under the courtyard shower to really enjoy the property. Sleeps 6, $380 p/n.

The Log House Cabin, Johanna (Gadubanud)

Stylist Emma transformed this log house deep in the Johanna bushland into a fun, colourful and comfortable stay after a cancelled holiday in 2020. Sleeping 8, moody finishes reflecting the forest surrounds set the scene, with rattan furniture and velvets layered in to create the perfect weekend hideaway. Pick fruit from the property orchard, take a bush walk to the ocean or just revel in the the peace and the quiet, starting at $406 p/n.

Calignee II Eco Bush Retreat, Gippsland (Gunaikirnai)

100% off the grid and surrounded by secluded bushland, this retreat was designed to celebrate the inside and outside weaving in perfect harmony. Rebuilt after the Black Saturday fires using understated finishes, it quietly maximises on luxury. The magnesium lap pool, cathedral ceilings, large glass windows and outdoor rain shower help to immerse yourself in the bushy location promoting some serious respite with all of your senses engaged. Sleeps 4, $445 p/n.

House Of Figs, Yarrawonga (Yorta Yorta)

Perfect for laid back backyard picnics, shaded by the namesake fig tree to a relaxing bathe in the free standing bath - you’ll feel so at home here. The central dining table is perfect for feasting with guests and cuppas by the open fire in winter is a must. This modest, country style home has been rebuilt from the ground up with no luxuries spared. The best bit - breakfast made from fresh localproduce is included! Sleeps 6, $325 p/n.

Tulum, Balnarring Beach (Bun Warrung)

An hour from Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula sits this slice of heaven made for couples -with luxury and comfort paramount. Visit year round and spend an afternoon in the spa, take the bikes for a spin down to the beach or flick through a magazine in the courtyard - wine in hand. Casually styled, order in some local Italian and sample some wine from one of the nearby wineries and you’ll forget the news exists. Sleeps 2, $237 p/n.